JOB TITLE:
CAPEX COST ESTIMATOR
ASSIGNMENT TYPE:
PERMANENT STAFF ROLE
LOCATION:
PARIS, FRANCE
HYBRID WORKING:
YES - 3 DAYS OFFICE / 2 DAYS HOME
WORKING SCHEDULE:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
CLIENT:
DEVELOPER OF LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING FACILITIES
PACKAGE:
COMPETITIVE SALARY + COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS
INTRODUCTION
A leading developer of large-scale industrial processing facilities is seeking a CAPEX Cost Estimator (W/M) to support its major industrial development program.
This role provides high-quality capital expenditure estimates and benchmarking data across the full lifecycle of a large-scale industrial project. During early project phases, the Estimator develops, validates, and maintains robust CAPEX estimates from conceptual studies through FEED and detailed design.
As the project advances, the role also transitions into a Project Cost Controller function, responsible for cost tracking, forecasting, reporting, and ensuring full budget adherence (CAPEX/OPEX). The position includes occasional travel to the project site in southern France.
This role reports directly to the PMO Lead.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A - MAIN ROLE BEFORE FID
1) Estimating Activities
- Develop AACE Class 2, 3, 4 & 5 CAPEX estimates for complex industrial facilities.
- Prepare detailed estimates of labour, material quantities, and associated costs.
- Define and structure estimating scopes, capturing differences between conceptual options.
- Produce bottom-up estimates derived from bulk material quantities: civil works, modularisation, transport, installation, construction labour, commissioning, indirects, engineering, and owner's costs.
- Ensure quality, consistency, and validation of all estimates.
- Prepare estimate plans, basis documents, assumptions, and related deliverables.
- Maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and up-to-date market data.
2) Project Coordination & Stakeholder Interface
- Work closely with engineering disciplines, project management, EPC contractors, OEMs, and external consultants.
- Contribute to investment documentation in line with internal standards.
- Present estimates to leadership to ensure transparency and alignment.
- Support execution strategy by providing cost insights during FEED, EPCm, and detailed design phases.
3) Continuous Improvement & Methodology Development
- Support development of estimating methodologies, standards, and tools.
- Ensure integration with project control systems (budget tracking, planning, reporting).
- Contribute to best-practice development and knowledge capitalisation.
B - MAIN ROLE AFTER FID
1) Cost Planning & Budget Control
- Support development of CAPEX and OPEX budgets.
- Manage Cost Breakdown Structures consistent with the WBS.
- Maintain and update cost baselines.
- Ensure alignment of cost allocations across project packages.
2) Cost Monitoring & Reporting
- Track actual costs versus approved budgets.
- Monitor commitments (POs, contracts, variations).
- Prepare monthly cost reports and dashboards.
- Conduct variance analyses and identify root causes.
- Issue timely warnings on potential overruns.
3) Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Prepare and update cost forecasts (EAC).
- Perform trend and sensitivity analyses.
- Support cash-flow projections.
- Contribute to financial model updates.
4) Change & Risk Management
- Assess financial impacts of change orders and variations.
- Participate in risk reviews and contingency planning.
- Track contingency utilisation and remaining exposure.
- Align risk register with cost forecast.
5) Interfaces & Governance
- Collaborate closely with Project Management, Engineering, Procurement, and Contracts teams.
- Provide cost-related support to contract administration.
- Ensure compliance with internal financial procedures.
- Support audits and investor reporting when necessary.
6) Exclusions - Activities Handled by Financial Team
The Finance team retains responsibility for:
- Administrative compliance of contracts and amendments (invoices, retentions, insurance, etc.)
- Consolidation of actuals, commitments, budget, and progress in ERP tools
- Reconciliation of cost accounting and general accounting
- Validation of cash-flow projections
- Consolidated reporting to senior management and the board
PROFILE
Education
- Engineering degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent industrial experience
- Specialisation in cost estimation and knowledge of French construction standards
- Familiarity with EPC/EPCm environments is an advantage
Experience
- 10-15 years of experience in cost estimating for large-scale industrial or infrastructure projects
- Strong background in EPC/EPCm estimating during FEED and detailed design
- Capability to build bottom-up estimates (materials, labour, logistics, owner's costs)
- Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with estimating tools and AACE methodologies
- Excellent communication skills in French and English